Wild 36-32 victory over Saints is one of three finalists for ESPY Award

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Alex Smith's late touchdown run was part of the 49ers' comeback victory. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)

Niners fans know last season was something special and that one game above all others was the most magical of all – the 36-32 playoff victory over the New Orleans Saints.

After 13 wins in the regular season, an NFC West championship and a No. 2 seed in the playoffs, the 49ers were still underdogs in their own stadium to a high-powered New Orleans offense led by Drew Brees and Darren Sproles.

But the 49ers fought off every Saints punch and knocked them out to earn a trip to the NFC Championship Game against the Giants.

Now that game has been nominated – along with two others – for an ESPY in the Best Game category. The ESPYs will be televised July 11.

The Niners’ victory featured a pair of clutch late-game plays – Alex Smith’s sprint to a touchdown and his throw to tight end Vernon Davis for the winning score – plus five lead changes and more than 400 yards of offense.